September 16, 2024 Virtual Sessions to Focus on Book Centered Around Wonder and Fred Rogers Two free virtual book study sessions will be held for release of a new book on the subjects of Wonder and Fred Rogers in September and October. Wonder and Fred Rogers The events will involve a discussion of “When You Wonder, You’re Learning: Mister Rogers’ Enduring Lessons for Raising Creative, Curious, Caring Kids” by Gregg Behr and Ryan Rydzewski. The authors will take part in both sessions. The book covers the importance of wonder for children. It cites Rogers’ – of Pittsburgh-based TV show “Mr. Rogers’ Neighborhood” – ability to spark a sense of wonder in children. The book also covers how Rogers encouraged and nurtured children’s play and helped learners manage their feelings and try new things. The sessions will be held on: Thursday, Sept. 26 from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. ET Thursday, Oct. 3 from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. ET Registration is now open for the event. More information on the Wonder and Fred Rogers book can be found on Remake Learning’s website.
September 9, 2024 Licensed Child Care Providers Can Apply for PA NAP SACC Wellness Grant Licensed child care providers in Pennsylvania are encouraged to apply for the 2024-25 PA NAP SACC Wellness Grant. To apply, providers must serve a minimum of four children, ages birth to five years. Past participants are also eligible to apply. Learn More The grant provides an opportunity to engage in a continuous quality improvement process focused on obesity prevention practices and policies in early care and education settings. The program utilizes Go NAPSACC, an online, evidence-based tool, to guide self-assessment, action planning, implementation, policy development, re-self-assessment, and reflection. The process empowers program leadership and includes individualized technical assistance to increase knowledge and improve the quality of practice and policy. Programs will be linked with a child care health consultant at no cost to the site. The consultant will review nutrition and physical activity practices and policies, assist with developing sustainable policies, and offer guidance for quality improvement. Those who participate and complete grant requirements will receive up to $500 in grant funding. The funding can support staff time or any necessary materials and resources. More Details For STAR 3 and 4 programs, participation in all components of the PA NAP SACC Wellness Grant satisfies Keystone STARS performance standards for utilizing a healthcare consultant to establish and maintain health policies above those required by certification. It also satisfies bonus points area Partnerships with Families and Communities for participating in an organized effort to promote nutritional health for children. Following the application period, applicants will be invited to participate in an Oct. 23 webinar from 12:45 p.m. to 1:45 p.m. The webinar will be recorded and shared with all eligible applicants. After the webinar, program enrollment will be based on the first 50 programs to complete enrollment tasks outlined in the webinar. How to Apply Those interested in participating should complete and submit an online application or visit the Keystone Kids Go website. For questions or additional information, call Cindy Wilson at Tuscarora Intermediate Unit at 717-248-4942, ext. 143, or email cjwilson@tiu11.org. The application deadline is Oct. 4.
August 27, 2024 Federal Final Rule on Head Start Regulatory Changes The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Department has released a final rule regarding regulatory changes to the Head Start Program Performance Standards. Changes to the rule include requirements for wages and benefits, breaks for staff, and enhanced support for staff health and wellness. Learn More The changes to the Head Start Program Performance Standards are aimed at supporting and stabilizing the Head Start workforce and improving the quality of services that its programs provide to children and families. Changes also include enhancements to mental health services to better integrate mental health into every aspect of program service delivery. Enhancements are included in the areas of family service worker family assignments, identifying and meeting community needs, ensuring child safety, services for pregnant women, and alignment with state early childhood systems. The changes also include minor clarifications to promote better transparency and clarity of understanding for grant recipients. The National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) released a statement praising the Department of Health and Human Services for the final rule. NAEYC noted that the rule would strengthen the Head Start workforce. About Head Start The federal Head Start program provides early education and other comprehensive services to more than half a million children, prenatal to age 5, in center- and home-based settings across the country. It is a leader in providing high-quality services that support the development of children from low-income families, helping them enter kindergarten more prepared to succeed in school and life. Dates The compliance date for many of the requirements in the final rule is Oct. 21, which is 60 days after it was published in the Federal Register. However, some of the requirements involve programs that might need more time to implement the regulatory changes. For further information, call 202-240-3901 or email Jessica.Bialecki@acf.hhs.gov. The details of the final rule can be found on the Federal Register’s website.
August 19, 2024 CDA Completion Community of Practice On Wednesdays from mid-September to late October, those working towards their Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential can join a network of fellow educators. Learn More Trying Together’s virtual CDA Completion Community of Practice is a seven-week course that offers a blend of structured learning and interactive community engagement tailored to empower CDA candidates. Each week, participants will dive into individual pieces of the required CDA portfolio, application, and available financial assistance. The facilitator will provide step-by-step instructions and practical tips as well as answer questions to help participants navigate the complexities of the CDA credential. Educators must have completed the minimum 120 hours of CDA training to qualify for the course. The course will run from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Wednesdays, from Sept. 11 to Oct. 23. Registration is now open.
CDA Completion Community of Practice On Wednesdays from mid-September to late October, those working towards their Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential can join a network of fellow educators. Learn More Trying Together’s virtual CDA Completion Community of Practice is a seven-week course that offers a blend of structured learning and interactive community engagement tailored to empower CDA candidates. Each week, participants will dive into individual pieces of the required CDA portfolio, application, and available financial assistance. The facilitator will provide step-by-step instructions and practical tips as well as answer questions to help participants navigate the complexities of the CDA credential. Educators must have completed the minimum 120 hours of CDA training to qualify for the course. The course will run from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Wednesdays, from Sept. 11 to Oct. 23. Registration is now open.
CDA Completion Community of Practice On Wednesdays from mid-September to late October, those working towards their Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential can join a network of fellow educators. Learn More Trying Together’s virtual CDA Completion Community of Practice is a seven-week course that offers a blend of structured learning and interactive community engagement tailored to empower CDA candidates. Each week, participants will dive into individual pieces of the required CDA portfolio, application, and available financial assistance. The facilitator will provide step-by-step instructions and practical tips as well as answer questions to help participants navigate the complexities of the CDA credential. Educators must have completed the minimum 120 hours of CDA training to qualify for the course. The course will run from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Wednesdays, from Sept. 11 to Oct. 23. Registration is now open.
CDA Completion Community of Practice On Wednesdays from mid-September to late October, those working towards their Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential can join a network of fellow educators. Learn More Trying Together’s virtual CDA Completion Community of Practice is a seven-week course that offers a blend of structured learning and interactive community engagement tailored to empower CDA candidates. Each week, participants will dive into individual pieces of the required CDA portfolio, application, and available financial assistance. The facilitator will provide step-by-step instructions and practical tips as well as answer questions to help participants navigate the complexities of the CDA credential. Educators must have completed the minimum 120 hours of CDA training to qualify for the course. The course will run from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Wednesdays, from Sept. 11 to Oct. 23. Registration is now open.
CDA Completion Community of Practice On Wednesdays from mid-September to late October, those working towards their Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential can join a network of fellow educators. Learn More Trying Together’s virtual CDA Completion Community of Practice is a seven-week course that offers a blend of structured learning and interactive community engagement tailored to empower CDA candidates. Each week, participants will dive into individual pieces of the required CDA portfolio, application, and available financial assistance. The facilitator will provide step-by-step instructions and practical tips as well as answer questions to help participants navigate the complexities of the CDA credential. Educators must have completed the minimum 120 hours of CDA training to qualify for the course. The course will run from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Wednesdays, from Sept. 11 to Oct. 23. Registration is now open.
CDA Completion Community of Practice On Wednesdays from mid-September to late October, those working towards their Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential can join a network of fellow educators. Learn More Trying Together’s virtual CDA Completion Community of Practice is a seven-week course that offers a blend of structured learning and interactive community engagement tailored to empower CDA candidates. Each week, participants will dive into individual pieces of the required CDA portfolio, application, and available financial assistance. The facilitator will provide step-by-step instructions and practical tips as well as answer questions to help participants navigate the complexities of the CDA credential. Educators must have completed the minimum 120 hours of CDA training to qualify for the course. The course will run from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Wednesdays, from Sept. 11 to Oct. 23. Registration is now open.
CDA Completion Community of Practice On Wednesdays from mid-September to late October, those working towards their Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential can join a network of fellow educators. Learn More Trying Together’s virtual CDA Completion Community of Practice is a seven-week course that offers a blend of structured learning and interactive community engagement tailored to empower CDA candidates. Each week, participants will dive into individual pieces of the required CDA portfolio, application, and available financial assistance. The facilitator will provide step-by-step instructions and practical tips as well as answer questions to help participants navigate the complexities of the CDA credential. Educators must have completed the minimum 120 hours of CDA training to qualify for the course. The course will run from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Wednesdays, from Sept. 11 to Oct. 23. Registration is now open.
